A distinctly different haplotype group found on the Crimean Peninsula and in central Italy may represent either relicts of a previously more widespread

ancestor or result of long-distance dispersal. The phylogeographical pattern found in H. europaeus is to certain extent similar with that found in Fagus sylvatica. This might imply a partly common postglacial colonisation history of these ecologically narrowly tied species. Nevertheless, unlike in the case of F. sylvatica, we did Wnt drug not found convincing evidence for the existence of Central European glacial refugia for H. europaeus. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.”
“The West African Gaboon viper (Bitis rhinoceros) has an extraordinary coloration of pale brown and velvety black

markings. The velvety black appearance is caused by a unique hierarchical surface structures which was not found on the pale brown scales. In the present study we examined the wettability of the vipers scales by measuring contact angles of water droplets. Velvet black scale surfaces had high static contact angles beyond 160 degrees and low roll-off angles below 20 degrees indicating an outstanding superhydrophobicity. Our calculations showed that the Cassie-Baxter model describes well wettability effects for these surfaces. Self-cleaning capabilities were determined by contaminating the scales with particles and fogging them until droplets formed. Black scales were clean after fogging, while pale scales stayed contaminated. Black scales feature multifunctional structures Ulixertinib research buy providing not only water-repellent but also self-cleaning properties. The pattern of nanoridges can be used as a model for surface-active technical surfaces.”
“Human pluripotential stem cells including both embryonic stem cells (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) possess self-renewing potency and pluripotentency and can differentiate into virtually

selleck screening library any somatic cell type. These features are a distinct advantage for the generation of specific types of human tissue cells in vitro for continuous use in drug development. Recently, an assay system for drug-induced QT interval prolongation using hESC/hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and microelectrode arrays (MEA) has been developed. Drug-induced QT interval prolongation (DIQTIP) can lead to sudden cardiac death and is a major safety concern for the drug industry. Regulatory authorities such as the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency require in-vitro testing of all drug candidates to identify potential risk of DIQTIP prior to clinical trials. To reduce the risk of DIQTIP, a routine assay system for in vitro electrophysiological properties using cell-based assays is effective and necessary in early phase of drug discovery.